Southern California residents are facing new threats after rain fell over neighborhoods most impacted by recent wildfires.
Much-needed rain fell in the Los Angeles area on Saturday and showers are expected to continue on Sunday, according to AccuWeather. The moisture helps fire crews to slow the wildfires that started burning on January 7.
More than 28 people have died in the blazes. The major L.A. fires are all at least 80 percent contained.
Now, officials are warning about the potential of mudslides and “toxic ash” runoff from the rain. Toxic ash is all the chared materials from the fires and it can contain pesticides, asbestos, plastics and lead, according to the Associated Press. Officials say more evacuations may be necessary to deal with the new threats.
“So the problem would be if one of those showers happens to park itself over a burn area,” weather service meteorologist Carol Smith told the AP. “That could be enough to create debris flows.”
Days ago, President Donald Trump met with Governor Gavin Newsom in Los Angeles to survey the damage. Trump said he would back the state, but floated conditions for receiving disaster aid.
Key Points
- Major LA fires now at least 80 percent contained
- As fires continue, ‘flood watch’ begins around Los Angeles in some burn areas
- New photos show the dangers residents face at their burned homes
- Trump says executive order will ‘open up the pumps and valves’ for California water supply
ICYMI: California wildfires: Massive smoke plumes captured from raging Hughes Fire
03:00 , Kelly RissmanFirefighters are slowing the spread of the fires
02:00 , Kelly RissmanFirefighters are making progress in containing the fires.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, which have both been burning since January 7 in Los Angeles County, are now mostly contained.
The Palisades fire is now 87 percent contained while the Eaton fire is 95 percent contained, according to Cal Fire on Sunday evening.
Here’s where all the blazes now stand:
Actress Katey Sagal says wildfires were ‘particularly personal'
01:00 , Kelly RissmanMarried with Children star Katey Sagal said the wildfires that devastated the Pacific Palisades were “particularly personal” since she went to Palisades High School.
“To see those neighborhoods come down was just unbelievably heartbreaking to me,” she said at the LA Wildfire Relief LIVE event, Fox News reported.
She continued: “A devastating time right now in our city… it’s just an overwhelming time… all of us coming together to help… and to raise money… It’s human spirit. It’s what we do… it’s the better part of humanity.”
Flood advisory is in effect in parts of LA County
00:00 , Kelly RissmanA flood advisory has been issued in parts of Los Angeles County, meaning flooding is starting to occur in the burn scars, according to the National Weather Service.
The advisory is in effect until 4 p.m. PST.
The agency warned: “Excessive rainfall could cause roadway flooding and minor debris flows in and around the Hurst and Sunset burn scars. Peak rain rates of 0.30 to 0.40 inches per hour will be likely. There is a chance of thunderstorms through Monday morning which could result in heavier showers, localized flooding, and small hail.”
WATCH: Firefighters tackle raging San Diego wildfire blaze as evacuation orders issued
Sunday 26 January 2025 23:00 , Kelly RissmanICYMI: Trump demands California voter ID law for wildfire relief
Sunday 26 January 2025 21:45 , Kelly RissmanSouthern California could be susceptible to another natural disaster: experts
Sunday 26 January 2025 20:45 , Kelly RissmanThe wildfire-torn region could soon see yet another natural disaster, experts say.
Now a flash flood watch is in effect in Los Angeles County from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon.
Because the vegetation has been scorched by the blazes, it’s not as absorbant for rain, making it more at risk for debris flow, mudslides and flash flooding.
“The force of this rushing water and debris can also damage or even destroy things like culverts, bridges, roadways and even buildings that were left standing after the fires -- even miles away from the burned area,” AccuWeather Broadcast Meteorologist Damien Lodes explained.
In photos: Residents return to scorched Southern California
Sunday 26 January 2025 19:45 , Kelly Rissman
How contained are the California wildfires?
Sunday 26 January 2025 18:45 , Kelly RissmanThe Palisades fire, which has been burning since January 7, has scorched more than 23,000 acres in Los Angeles County. It’s 87 percent contained as of Sunday morning.
The blaze that erupted hours later, the Eaton fire, is now 95 percent contained after growing to 14,000 acres.
Meanwhile, the Border 2 fire that broke out on Thursday in San Diego County is just 10 percent contained and has already blazed through more than 6,000 acres.
Flash flood watch in effect in LA County
Sunday 26 January 2025 17:45 , Kelly RissmanThe area that has been rampaged by wildfires for the past few weeks could soon see flash floods, the National Weather Service warned.
A flash flood watch is in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday through 4 p.m. Monday in the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin, Bridge, and Hughes burn scars.
“Heavy rain over the burn scars could trigger debris flows,” the agency warned.
Shelters remain open for people impacted by the wildfires
Sunday 26 January 2025 16:44 , Alex LangShelters remain open for people impacted by the wildfires, according to state officials.
Here is a list of shelters that remain open.
The Pasadena Convention Center remains the largest shelter with more than 300 people using it on Saturday, according to an official count.
Some LA schools set to resume classes
Sunday 26 January 2025 16:17 , Alex LangSome of the schools in Los Angeles that were closed for fires are set to reopen in the coming days.
District officials told The Associated Press that staff has worked to get facilities ready by inspecting ventilation systems, replacing filters and installing air purifiers in classrooms. The buildings have also been cleaned inside and out.
An environmental consultant is also inspecting schools.
Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, prised the district - but added that there is still some risk of exposure to dangerous ash.
“Children often have more hand-to-mouth behavior and their bodies are rapidly growing in these first few years, and so they can be more sensitive to this type of pollution,” said Patel. “There will be a risk for a while to come in terms of exposure.”
More rain expected to fall today
Sunday 26 January 2025 15:43 , Alex LangMore rain is expected to fall today in Southern California as crews continue to battle the blazes.
The much-needed rain started on Saturday afternoon, with many areas seeing at least some trace amounts. The Hollywood Reservoir has measured .18 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. The Clear Creek monitoring station has seen .67 inches.
“Following the onset of drizzle Saturday afternoon, rain is expected to slowly increase in areal coverage and intensity through the remainder of the weekend as the onshore regime continues. We’re expecting rainfall totals on the order of 0.50-1.00 of an inch for most of the LA basin, around San Diego and near the surrounding coastal areas,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Jacob Hinson said.
Teens raise $50,000 to rebuild their community
Sunday 26 January 2025 15:11 , Alex LangA group of teens has raised more than $51,000 through GoFundMe to help their Pacific Palisades community, according to a report.
Mason Cohen, Jake Yoon and Dylan Fullmer founded Build Back Pali, according to KTLA. They have raised five figures in just a matter of days.
“Seeing parts of our hometown burning, we just felt inspired to raise money for it,” Fullmer told the outlet. While Yoon added: “This is our entire childhood and we really want to restore this as fast as we can.”
To donate to the campaign vist GoFundMe.
A Timeline of the Los Angeles fires
Sunday 26 January 2025 14:43 , Alex LangHere is a timeline of the major fires near Los Angeles. They have left at least 28 people dead and destroyed more than 16,000 structures.
Crews have been battling the blazes since the first one broke on January 7. But, weekend rains have brought much-needed relief.
Timeline: How the LA fires erupted into California’s worst natural disaster
New photos show the dangers residents face at their burned homes
Sunday 26 January 2025 14:26 , Alex LangNew pictures show the dangers residents face as they clean up the extensive damage from the fires.
What is toxic ash runoff?
Sunday 26 January 2025 14:08 , Alex LangToxic ash runoff is a dangeorus mixture of all the burned items from the fire along with materials designed to help the blazes.
The blazes can unleash chemical reactions on paint, furniture, building materials, cars and electronics, according to the Associated Press. The ash can include lead, abestos or arsenic.
The ash requires produtive gear to handle safely.
“Ash is not just ash. Go back to the garage or what’s in your home. What is your furniture made out of? What are your appliances made out of? What is your house made out of?” Scott McLean, a former deputy chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s communications bureau, told the AP. “A lot of it’s petroleum product and different composites that are extreme hazards due to fire when they combust.”
Major LA fires now at least 80 percent contained
Sunday 26 January 2025 13:54 , Alex LangThe major fires in Los Angeles are at least 80 percent contained, according to CalFire.
The Palisades Fire, which is the biggest and started on January 7, is at 84 percent contained. The fire has consumed more than 23,000 acres.
The Eaton Fire consumed 14,000 acres and is now 95 percent contained. The Hughes Fire started on January 22 and has destroyed more than 10,000 acres. It is at 90 percent containment.
LA fires impact ‘fragile’ childcare industry in area
Sunday 26 January 2025 00:19 , Justin RohrlichThe wildfires sweeping through LA have forced hundreds of childcare providers from their facilities, dozens of which have been destroyed, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Large numbers of working families are affected by the closures, and are now “scrambling for care,” the outlet reported, which said the fires are “dealing a blow to an already fragile sector in the region.”
Nearly 40 childcare facilities were totaled by the blazes, and another 284 were deemed “non-operational” due to ash, debris, power outages, or a lack of potable water, according to the Times, citing figures from the California Department of Social Services.
ICYMI: Trump puts conditions on federal disaster aid
Saturday 25 January 2025 22:30 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump on Friday said he would demand that California overhaul its election laws and reverse environmental policies as a condition of any federal funds to help the state recover from wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area in recent weeks.
He also claimed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had mishandled efforts to help North Carolinians recover from Hurricane Helene and suggested that the White House and Republican National Committee would somehow take over the distribution of any relief funds authorized by Congress.
Trump took aim at FEMA as he arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, to view hurricane damage, before traveling to California to view the devastation wrought by wildfires.
Andrew Feinberg has the story.
Trump demands California voter ID law for wildfire relief and threatens FEMA again
Flash floods and debris flows could hit California residents
Saturday 25 January 2025 21:30 , Kelly RissmanAs critical fire weather ends in Southern California this week, residents have been warned about continuing threats from a weekend storm that could result in dangerous flash flooding and debris flows in wildfire burn scar areas.
Following a series of devastating and deadly wildfires, forecasters have said the region can expect mountain snow, rain, cooler temperatures, and a “small but non-zero threat of a thunderstorm moving over a burn area.”
Areas in Los Angeles County will likely see about three-quarters of an inch of rain following months without precipitation, according to KTLA.
Julia Musto has the story.
Flash floods and debris flows could hit wildfire-weary California this weekend
Officials warn of flash floods
Saturday 25 January 2025 21:00 , Kelly RissmanLos Angeles, Lake Castaic, and the Pacific Palisades are among the areas expected to experience flash floods over the weekend.
The flood watch remains in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon.
“Heavy rain over the burn scars could trigger debris flows,” the National Weather Service warned.
There are no flood warnings in effect as of Saturday afternoon.
“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the agency added.
WATCH: California national guard releases aerial footage of Hughes fire
Saturday 25 January 2025 20:30 , Kelly RissmanHughes fire totals more than 10,000 acres as new blaze breaks out near U.S.-Mexico border
Saturday 25 January 2025 19:30 , Kelly RissmanCalifornia firefighters are working for a third day to extinguish the Hughes fire that erupted and engulfed more than 10,000 acres across Los Angeles.
At its most devastating, the flames raced across Castaic, an unincorporated community north of LA, at a speed of 23 football fields every minute.
Since January 7, the area has been plagued by two other massive wildfires, the Palisades and Eaton fires. More than 50,000 acres of southern Californian land has been torched, 28 lives lost and thousands of homes destroyed in just over two weeks.
Read the full story.
LA wildfires mapped: Hughes fire torches 10,000 acres as Border 2 blaze erupts
In photos: This week in Southern California
Saturday 25 January 2025 18:30 , Kelly Rissman
How much rain Southern California could see this weekend
Saturday 25 January 2025 17:30 , Kelly RissmanA storm is expected to relieve the wildfire-ravaged region this weekend.
Los Angeles and Ventura Counties could see half an inch to an inch of rain from Saturday afternoon through Monday night, according to the National Weather Service.
Even more precipitation — one inch or two inches — could hit the mountains, the agency predicted.
The rain, which could be the most the area has experienced since April, could help the vegetation become less susceptible to catching fire and could improve air quality in the region that has been devastated by massive wildfires since January 7.
How contained are the California wildfires?
Saturday 25 January 2025 16:30 , Kelly RissmanThe deadly and destructive Palisades and Eaton fires, which started burning weeks ago in LA County, are still raging on but are now mostly contained.
The Hughes fire, the latest blaze to ravage the county, has scorched more than 10,000 acres since it erupted on Wednesday. It’s now 87 percent contained.
Meanwhile, the Border 2 fire that has been making its way through San Diego since Thursday already spans more than 6,500 acres — and it’s barely contained.
Here’s where all of the wildfires stand:
Some Southern California schools could reopen soon, officials say
Saturday 25 January 2025 15:30 , Kelly RissmanThe Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) said it plans to reopen schools as soon as Monday — but not all parents think it’s the best idea.
In a statement to the Associated Press, the district said its staff “has worked diligently to prepare schools for a return to in-person instruction.” These preparation steps include replacing filters, installing air purifiers, and monitoring the school’s ventilation systems.
But still, some are worried that the schools are reopening in-person education too soon.
The LAUSD “has never experienced a disaster like this in their history,” Kelli Ferrone, a parent to two children at Canyon Charter Elementary School, told the AP. One of her daughters has asthma.
Ferrone continued: “And I do think people are trying really hard, but our school needs a new temporary home with classrooms and teachers teaching in-person. That is the only thing that is going to make people feel comfortable.”
This school falls within the “do not drink water” advisory, meaning water bottles will be provided as the school’s water fountains are turned off.
A much-needed storm is heading for LA
Saturday 25 January 2025 14:47 , Kelly RissmanMuch-needed rainfall is expected to hit Southern California, an area that has been devastated by wildfires since early January.
LA is expected to see the most rain since April, according to AccuWeather.
“Despite being smack in the middle of the rainy season, brush conditions over Southern California are currently as dry as they ever get in the summer (the dry season),” AccuWeather California Expert Ken Clark said. “So when you throw dry air and Santa Ana winds into the mix, you have prime ingredients for wildfires.”
In L.A., the risk may go from fires to floods
Saturday 25 January 2025 13:30 , Josh MarcusAs critical fire weather ends in Southern California this week, residents have been warned about continuing threats from a weekend storm that could result in dangerous flash flooding and debris flows in wildfire burn scar areas.
Following a series of devastating and deadly wildfires, forecasters have said the region can expect mountain snow, rain, cooler temperatures, and a “small but non-zero threat of a thunderstorm moving over a burn area.”
Areas in Los Angeles County will likely see about three-quarters of an inch of rain following months without precipitation, according to KTLA.
More details in our full story.
Flash floods and debris flows could hit wildfire-weary California this weekend
How Trump’s misinformation is complicating the L.A. fire response
Saturday 25 January 2025 12:30 , Josh MarcusWhile new blazes fanned by whipping Santa Ana winds have sparked across Southern California this week, firefighters have continued to make significant progress on some of the state’s most destructive wildfires that continue to burn.
Trump’s slew of misinformation about the disaster hasn’t helped.
Los Angeles County’s response to the furious fires — which have resulted in the deaths of 28 people and left thousands without homes in some of the area’s most affluent communities — has been put under a microscope since they started more than two weeks ago, following months without rain and hurricane-force winds.
Officials have faced harsh criticism from politicians and residents alike. Newly sworn-in President Donald Trump and Republicans have traded shots at California’s Democratic leadership, insisting that more could have been done to help prevent the tragedy. But, many of the president’s statements about how the Golden State should have prepared and other related logistical elements have been ignorant of the role of climate change and are rooted in inaccuracy and a contentious relationship with Governor Gavin Newsom.
Julia Musto has the story.
Trump’s firestorm of misinformation over California fires is burning bright
Are Gavin Newsom and Trump...getting along?
Saturday 25 January 2025 11:30 , Josh MarcusDonald Trump and Gavin Newsom put on a united front on the tarmac of Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, as the president arrived in California for a visit to survey the devastation caused by the wildfires.
Despite previous online acrimony between the men, the California governor smiled as he shook hands with Trump and proceeded to give the First Lady a kiss on the cheek.
The president continued his magnanimous tone during a public discussion at a firehouse.
“We’re going to be with you,” Trump said. “Your governor met us at the plane. We had a good talk, very positive talk. We have to work together to get this really worked out.”
Trump and Newsom play nice as president arrives in LA to survey wildfire damage
ICYMI: Trump demands California voter ID law for wildfire relief and threatens FEMA upon arrival in North Carolina
Saturday 25 January 2025 09:30 , Josh MarcusPresident Donald Trump on Friday said he would demand that California overhaul its election laws and reverse environmental policies as a condition of any federal funds to help the state recover from wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area in recent weeks.
He also claimed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had mishandled efforts to help North Carolinians recover from Hurricane Helene and suggested that the White House and Republican National Committee would somehow take over the distribution of any relief funds authorized by Congress. Trump took aim at FEMA as he arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, to view hurricane damage, before traveling to California to view the devastation wrought by wildfires.
Speaking to reporters just after he disembarked Air Force One, Trump told reporters that FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, “has really let us down,” though it was unclear what exactly he was accusing the agency of having done or not done.
“I don’t know if that’s Biden’s fault or whose fault it is, but we’re going to take over and we’re going to do a good job, and we’re going to assign [Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley] who’s fantastic, frankly, and the governor and everybody else that’s going to work,” he said. “We’re going to supply the money, the supply, a lot of the money. Maybe you have to chip in something. You chip in a little something like maybe 25 percent or whatever, but we’re going to get it done as quickly as we can. And we want to take care of the people of North Carolina.”
Andrew Feinberg reports.
Trump demands California voter ID law for wildfire relief and threatens FEMA again
RECAP: Trump’s L.A. fire tour in pictures
Saturday 25 January 2025 08:30 , Josh Marcus
Trump, Bass promise expedited process to rebuild in California
Saturday 25 January 2025 07:30 , Josh MarcusDonald Trump hammered California officials to speed up permitting, home access, and rebuilding rules in the aftermath of the L.A. fires, and promised to do the same at the federal level.
“We’re gunna just about essentially waive all federal permits,” Trump said.
Trump added that he’d spoken with homeowners who are ready to rebuild beginning today.
“There are a lot in a position right now, they’d like to start tonight,” he continued. “They’ll clean their site. They’ll do everything.”
Trump also claimed he’d override any delays from the California Coastal Commission regulatory process, saying, “I’m not going to let them get away with their antics.”
Community members in attendance said they’d been told by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers it would take 18 months to begin rebuilding, which Trump balked at.
“I’m sure you can get it down, to I would say, note even 18 days,” Trump continued. “Mayor they are ready to start.”
At one point, audience members began shouting at L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, saying they hadn’t been allowed back onto their streets or to see their homes.
“We’re going to do everything we can, slashing regulation, so recovery can get underway,” Bass said. “We’re bringing our city departments together so people don’t get caught in a loop of going from one room to the next.”
Otay Lakes County Park closed due to Border 2 fire
Saturday 25 January 2025 06:30 , Josh MarcusCLOSURE: Our Otay Lakes County Park is currently closed due to the Border 2 fire and may be closed through the weekend. For more info about closures, please visit: https://t.co/btjYODUKom
— SanDiegoCounty (@SanDiegoCounty) January 24, 2025
For more information about the Border 2 fire, please visit: https://t.co/Ftzg72X4C5 pic.twitter.com/X4Y4snKTWn
Trump says executive order will ‘open up the pumps and valves’ for California water supply
Saturday 25 January 2025 05:30 , Josh MarcusDonald Trump is claiming his executive orders will open essentially unlimited water supplies to Southern California, arguing such actions would’ve helped Los Angeles fight the recent round of devastating fires.
Trump: "I'm signing an executive order to open up the pumps and valves in the north. We want to get that water pouring down here as quickly as possible ... you're talking about unlimited water coming up from the Pacific Northwest, even coming from parts of Canada." pic.twitter.com/4tn5K8RaXt
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 25, 2025
However, it wasn’t a lack of reservoir water that made pumps run dry in L.A., but issues with its water distribution system, according to experts.
California wildfires: How and why did fire hydrants run dry across Los Angeles?
VIDEO: How L.A. firefighters turned the tide on the Hughes Fire
Saturday 25 January 2025 04:30 , Josh Marcus#HughesFire pic.twitter.com/vXmFjuDFVt
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 24, 2025
As fires continue, ‘flood watch’ begins around Los Angeles in some burn areas
Saturday 25 January 2025 03:30 , Josh MarcusFLOOD WATCH is in effect for 4pm Sun to 4pm Mon. Here are the key details. While damaging debris flows are not the most likely outcome, there is still a lot of uncertainty with this storm. The threat is high enough to prepare for the worst-case scenario. #PalisadesFire #EatonFire pic.twitter.com/bbBGMJX90Y
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 25, 2025
San Diego County resident recalls spotting Border 2 fire on Thursday: ‘We thought everything was going to be OK'
Saturday 25 January 2025 02:30 , Josh MarcusRoy Carmichael, a 66-year-old who lives at the Pio Pico Campground in an RV, recalled spotting the Border 2 fire on Thursday night.
“We thought everything was going to be OK,” he told The San Diego Union-Tribune. “But the wind direction changed.”
He fled the area at around 2 a.m. on Friday and was one of dozens parked at the Regal Edwards Rancho San Diego movie theater. The theater is one of three places for people who have been displaced.
Workers hope to prevent mudslides in Pacific Palisades
Saturday 25 January 2025 02:00 , Josh Marcus
Trump shocked by fire damage
Saturday 25 January 2025 01:20 , Josh Marcus
Donald Trump is not normally a man at a loss for words, but the president appeared shocked on Friday by the extent of damage caused by the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles.
“It’s unbelievable,” Trump said as he walked by news cameras on a neighborhood tour. “It’s really not believable.”
Congressman presses Trump to avoid conditions for wildfire aid
Saturday 25 January 2025 01:11 , Josh Marcus
California officials walked a fine line on Friday as they welcomed Donald Trump, thanking the president for visiting wildfire damage while pushing him to avoid politicizing disaster aid.
Rep. Brad Sherman argued that while he disagrees with other states’ policies on issues like guns and abortion, he would never try to hold back disaster aid from them.
“I’m hoping that we can get these funds and that we don’t punish individuals for the policies of their state,” Sheman said. “You can disagree with them. I think you’ve got some ideas. I look forward to us listening.”
Sherman also called on Trump to avoid putting tariffs on the building materials L.A. will desperately need as it rebuilds neighborhoods like the Palisades.
Trump demands California voter ID law for wildfire relief and threatens FEMA again
Trump claims he’ll support California ‘100 percent’ after L.A. fires
Saturday 25 January 2025 00:57 , Josh MarcusDonald Trump has abruptly shifted his tone on California after touring wildfire damage, saying during a press conference on Friday, “The federal government is standing behind you 100 percent.”
It’s a far cry from Trump’s previous statements, which frequently railed against the state and its leadership over the fires, threatening to withold future disaster aid.
“We’re going to be with you,” Trump added. “Your governor met us at the plane. We had a good talk, very positive talk. We have to work together to get this really worked out.”
Of course, there were still a few Trump-y flourishes, from a riff about how “beautiful” and physically fit the firefighters were, as well as a few brags about his election results in the state.
Nonetheless, Trump was unexpectedly somber, perhaps as a result of the devastation he’s seen.
“I don’t think you can really realize how rough this is, how devastating it is until you really see it,” Trump added.
“It’s incredible,” Trump continued. “It’s really an incineration. Even some of the chimneys came down.”
Will Trump and Newsom bury the hatchet and cooperate over L.A. fires?
Saturday 25 January 2025 00:39 , Josh MarcusDonald Trump and Gavin Newsom put on a united front on the tarmac of Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, as the president arrived in California for a visit to survey the devastation caused by the wildfires.
Despite previous online acrimony between the men, the California governor smiled as he shook hands with Trump and proceeded to give the First Lady a kiss on the cheek.
In short remarks to the press at LAX, the president thanked Newsom for meeting him off the plane and promised to do everything he could to get the problems “permanently fixed.”
“I appreciate the governor coming out… we’ll be talking a lot and we want to get it fixed,” he said.
Mike Bedigan has the story.
Trump and Newsom play nice as president arrives in LA to survey wildfire damage
Trump tours Pacific Palisades neighborhood devastated by fires
Saturday 25 January 2025 00:33 , Graeme Massie
After weeks of insults, Trump is all smiles with LAFD
Saturday 25 January 2025 00:31 , Josh Marcus
Donald Trump has spent weeks ripping Los Angeles and California’s response to the devastating wildfires, while suggesting he might cut off future emergency aid to the state unless they agreed to unrelated policy goals like a new voter ID law.
However, when Trump toured wildfire damage in Los Angeles on Friday, he exchanged warm banter with a group of gathered L.A. firefighters.
He elicited chuckles from the LAFD as he held a fire helmet, calling it a “heavy sucker” but suggesting this group of “all strong men” didn’t have a problem with such gear.
“Welcome back, sir, we missed you,” one firefighter told the president.
As Trump wrapped up his tour, he could be heard saying, “We won’t let you down, fellas.”
Despite the warm reception, it’s still unclear what future wildfire aid to the state will look like.
Trump demands California voter ID law for wildfire relief and threatens FEMA again
‘We need your help,’ L.A. resident tells Trump during fire tour
Saturday 25 January 2025 00:13 , Josh MarcusA Los Angeles resident told Donald Trump on Friday that the communities impacted by the Palisades fire are still in desperate need of assistance.
“We need your help,” a man told the president.
“This is a community that has a lot of resources,” he continued. “It’s also a very multi-generational community.”
“A lot of people, we’ve been kind of abandoned and feel let down by local leadership,” the man went on. “The fire department’s been amazing. They need more resources. In order for us to build back, we need better infrastructure. We need to make sure this will never happen again.”
Newsom’s press office blasts ‘absolutely absurd claims’ about firefighter staffing in LA
Saturday 25 January 2025 00:00 , Julia MustoAbsolutely absurd claims from a pizzagate peddler.
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) January 24, 2025
California transitioned a small, inadequately trained volunteer reserve component into a huge professional, highly trained, firefighting force.
Since @CAGovernor Newsom took office, @TheCalGuard has nearly TRIPLED its… https://t.co/ilAXbL03lv
Pasadena firefighter recalls responding to Eaton fire: ‘This is not like anything we’ve ever seen before'
Friday 24 January 2025 23:45 , Julia MustoThroughout his career at @PasadenaFD, Sean Katt has responded to many fires across the US, but the #EatonFire was unlike anything he'd ever seen before.
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 24, 2025
Wind gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour made the fire's behavior unpredictable and chaotic. pic.twitter.com/AOocOa0G7p
In pictures: Newsom meets the Trumps at LAX
Friday 24 January 2025 23:30 , Mike Bedigan
Trump and Newsom put on united front on LAX tarmac
Friday 24 January 2025 23:20 , Mike BediganPresident Trump and Governor Newsom put on a united front as they spoke to reporters at LAX, despite public disputes between them previously.
In short remarks to the press, Trump remarked that Los Angeles looked “like you got hit by a bomb.”
"It means a great deal a lot to all of us... we’re gonna need your support... you were there for us in Covid, I don’t forget that," Newsom replied.
Trump responded: "We’re gonna get it done. You’ve lost a tremendous number of lives and a lot of real estate. We’ll get it permanently fixed so it won’t happen again."
Trump lands in Los Angeles and is met by Gavin Newsom
Friday 24 January 2025 23:14 , Mike BediganTouch down!
President Trump has arrived in Los Angeles and has disembarked from Air Force One at LAX.
He was met on the tarmac by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who smiled when he met him. The men appeared friendly, despite previous acrimony between them.
Trump patted Newsom on the back and the governor gave the First Lady a kiss on the cheek.
San Diego sheriff temporarily suspends all visits to county jails in the Otay Mesa area
Friday 24 January 2025 23:00 , Julia MustoOut of an abundance of caution, @SDSheriff is temporarily suspending all visits to county jails in the Otay Mesa area.
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) January 24, 2025
Due to the #Border2Fire, the following Sheriff's facilities will be affected:
▪️George Bailey Detention Facility
▪️Rock Mountain Detention Facility
▪️East Mesa… pic.twitter.com/QFGFR4jVmZ
In pictures: Members of the National Guard in place ahead of Trump’s arrival
Friday 24 January 2025 22:50 , Mike Bedigan
Forecasters preview weekend rain
Friday 24 January 2025 22:40 , Mike BediganWanting to know our thoughts on what kind of rain and snow we'll be seeing this weekend into early next week? Take a look at our latest video update to find out 👀 #CAwx #changeintheweather pic.twitter.com/tFJOKVJQTw
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 24, 2025
Partial repopulation announced for Palisades residents
Friday 24 January 2025 22:30 , Julia Musto
Los Angeles County fire officials announced partial repopulation in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.
“Law Enforcement will only conduct resident escorts between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for Zone LOS-0767-I and previously repopulated areas. Please arrive no later than 4:30 p.m.,” the fire department said.
Newsom makes pledge on wildfire aid: ‘This money is not going to be held up by bureaucracy’
Friday 24 January 2025 22:10 , Julia MustoThis money is not going to be held up by bureaucracy.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 24, 2025
As of this morning, we have already moved over $100 million to help communities rebuild and recover. We will continue to get aid to those impacted as fast as possible. https://t.co/ftwMNFi5Xm
Chula Vista closes parks, library, and pool due to poor air quality from Border 2 fire
Friday 24 January 2025 21:52 , Julia MustoDue to poor air quality in the surrounding areas the following City facilities are CLOSED today, Friday, January 24, 2025.
— City of Chula Vista (@thinkchulavista) January 24, 2025
▶️ Parks and recreation centers that are east of the 805.
▶️ Parkway Pool and Loma Verde Pool
▶️ Otay Ranch Library pic.twitter.com/cWoi9jcmmo
The Red Cross supports Border 2 fire evacuees
Friday 24 January 2025 21:43 , Julia MustoOur volunteers are supporting those impacted by the #Border2Fire at:
— American Red Cross Southern California Region (@SoCal_RedCross) January 24, 2025
📍 A shelter at Cuyamaca College Gymnasium (900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy, El Cajon).
📍 A Temporary Evacuation Point at Southwestern College (900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista).
➡️ More info: https://t.co/25I7pAO2Ao pic.twitter.com/QpCs2RvKl6
Third disaster center opens in Altadena
Friday 24 January 2025 21:26 , Julia MustoCal OES, in partnership with @FEMA and @CountyOfLA will open a 3rd Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Altadena to assist those impacted by the Hurricane-Force Firestorm. #LAFires #CAWildfires #SoCalFires pic.twitter.com/XC5akcrDMf
— California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) January 24, 2025
Photos show Palisades wildfire devastation ahead of Trump’s visit
Friday 24 January 2025 21:18 , Julia Musto
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass says her brother lost his home in the Palisades fire
Friday 24 January 2025 21:02 , Julia Musto
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass says her brother lost his home in the Palisades fire
